Love that coffeehouse flavor, but hate those outrageous prices? Java junkies, take heart! Tips and recipes from our readers help you recreate that gourmet-brewed flavor for a fraction of the price.
Love that coffeehouse flavor, but hate those outrageous prices? Java junkies, take heart! Tips and recipes from the readers of Mommysavers.com help you recreate that gourmet-brewed flavor for a fraction of the price.
For all the mixes below, combine all ingredients well. Store in tightly covered jar up to 6 months. For each serving, place 2 teaspoons mix in cup. Fill with boiling water. In a decorative jar, can also make a fun gift.
Cafe Frangelico
1 cup powdered instant nondairy creamer
1 cup chocolate-flavored drink mix
3/4 cup instant coffee (decaffeinated or regular)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Store in an airtight container. To use, combine 2 tablespoons of mix with 6 ounces boiling water. Garnish with whipped cream. For a kick, add 1 tablespoon Frangelico.
Cafe Vienna Mix
1/2 c instant coffee
2/3 c sugar
2/3 c nonfat dry milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Stir ingredients together. Process in a blender until powdered. Use 2 teaspoons to one cup of hot water. Makes about 1 1/2 cups mix.
Swiss Mocha
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder
Stir ingredients together. Store in airtight container. Use 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water.
Bavarian mint
1/3 cup instant coffee
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
2 tbsp. Cocoa
5 hard peppermint candies, crushed
Stir ingredients together. Store in airtight container. Use 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water.
Amaretto
3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Stir ingredients together. Store in airtight container. Use 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water.
Mocha
1/4 c. instant coffee
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. sugar
Stir ingredients together. Use 2 teaspoons to one cup of hot water.
Café au Lait
1/4 c. instant coffee
1/2 c. dry milk
1/2 c. sugar
Stir ingredients together. Use 2 teaspoons to one cup of hot water.
Spice
1/4 c. instant coffee
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
Stir ingredients together. Use 2 teaspoons to one cup of hot water.
Prepared Coffees:
Mexican Mocha
3 cups Milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
1/3 cup chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
6 Cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Combine first four ingredients in a 2 qt microwave bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, fold back the edge of wrap to let steam out. Microwave on medium power for 4-8 minutes until steaming, stirring at once. To serve, pour into 5 mugs, adding a cinnamon stick to each mug. Top with 1/4 c whipped topping. Serves 5.
Iced Coffee
Brew a 10-12 cup pot of coffee your usual way, doubling the amount of coffee that you generally use (decaf or regular). Add one 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk to the hot coffee. Refrigerate until cold. Add pure vanilla, to taste, to the coffee just before serving. Pour over a tall glass of ice.
*For an even better iced coffee, purchase a better brand of whole coffee bean, finely ground and use filtered or bottled water. For additional ideas, cool coffee, add crushed ice and grind in blender. This makes those tasty “coffeelattes” that are so pricey at restaurants and convenience stores. Another suggestion is to add cinnamon to the coffee while brewing. Add to taste, but start with 1 teaspoon at a time for desired flavor. This coffee is a wonderful dessert or summer treat or wonderful on a cold evening! — Frances
Vanilla Cappuccino
1 shot espresso
1 cup milk (heated)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla